dental caries
Enamel-destroying bacterial damage
Dental caries is the technical term for tooth decay—the progressive destruction of tooth enamel and underlying structures by bacterial acids.
Dentists and medical literature use caries where ordinary speech uses cavities: The X-ray revealed dental caries in two molars.
The word caries, from Latin for rot or decay, is both singular and plural.
Material placed within
- restorationReturning something to condition
- drillingHole-making by rotation
- extractionAct of removing
- root canalInfected pulp removal
crown · composite · amalgam · inlay · onlay · sealant · remineralization · bonding
Sweeping motion with bristles
- flossingInterdental string hygiene
- fluorideNegatively charged halogen ion
- toothpasteOral cleaning gel
- mouthwashLiquid for gargling clean
sealants · xylitol · checkups · prophylaxis · diet · sugarless · interdental · waterpik
Acid-producing beneficial bacterium
- plaqueInscribed memorial tablet
- biofilmAdhesive layer of microorganisms
- microbiomeBody's microbial community
- pathogensDisease-causing microorganisms
Ache in a molar
- sensitivityResponsiveness to stimuli
- painBodily or emotional distress
- discolorationAltered surface pigmentation
- halitosisChronic foul breath
Hard glossy coating
- pulpSoft wet mass
- molarRear crushing tooth
- incisorCutting tooth in front
- premolarTooth between canine and molar
canine · root · crown · gingiva · periodontal · cementum · fissure · pit
Removal of minerals
- erosionGradual wearing away
- acid attackAssault using corrosive liquid
- lactic acidAnaerobic metabolism byproduct
- sugarsSweet edible carbohydrates
saliva · remineralization · progression · incipient · advanced · arrested · rampant · early childhood
Area of pathological change
smooth surface · white spot · brown spot · black spot · radiographic · proximal
filling
Material placed within
- restorationReturning something to condition
- drillingHole-making by rotation
- extractionAct of removing
root canal · crown · composite · amalgam · inlay · onlay · sealant · remineralization · bonding
brushing
Sweeping motion with bristles
- flossingInterdental string hygiene
- fluorideNegatively charged halogen ion
- toothpasteOral cleaning gel
mouthwash · sealants · xylitol · checkups · prophylaxis · diet · sugarless · interdental · waterpik · hygienist
lactobacillus
Acid-producing beneficial bacterium
- plaqueInscribed memorial tablet
- biofilmAdhesive layer of microorganisms
- microbiomeBody's microbial community
pathogens · colonization · anaerobic · virulence · infection
toothache
Ache in a molar
- sensitivityResponsiveness to stimuli
- painBodily or emotional distress
- discolorationAltered surface pigmentation
enamel
Hard glossy coating
premolar · canine · root · crown · gingiva · periodontal · cementum · fissure · pit · deciduous
demineralization
Removal of minerals
- erosionGradual wearing away
- acid attackAssault using corrosive liquid
- lactic acidAnaerobic metabolism byproduct
sugars · saliva · remineralization · progression · incipient · advanced · arrested · rampant · early childhood · nursing bottle
lesion
Area of pathological change
occlusal · smooth surface · white spot · brown spot · black spot · radiographic · proximal